ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Maqtal al-Husayn Muslim’s Stand When Muslim Ibn ‘Aqil came to know about Ibn Ziyad's speech and his explicit threats, and having come to know about people's conditions, he feared being assassinated. He, therefore, left al-Mukhtar's house after the dark and went to the house of Hani Ibn ‘Urwah al-Mathaji who was a very zealous Shi’a.[^1] He was also one of Kufa's dignitaries,[^2] one of its qaris of the Holy Qur’an,[^3] and the shaikh and chief of Murad.

He could easily raise four thousand troops fully armed and eight thousand cavaliers. If he includes his tribe's allies from Kindah, the number would swell to thirty thousand.[^4] He was one of the closest friends of the Commander of the Faithful Imam ‘Ali Ibn Abu Talib (‘a)[^5] on whose side he fought in all his three battles.[^6] He had seen and was honoured by being a companion of the Prophet (S).

When he was killed, he was more than ninety years old.[^7] Muslim Ibn ‘Aqil stayed at the house of Sharik[^8] Ibn ‘Abdullah[^9] al-A’war al-Harithi al-Hamdani al-Basri, one of the main supporters of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, in Basra, a man who enjoyed great prominence among our men.[^10] He had participated in the Battle of Siffin and fought side by side with ‘Ammar Ibn Yasir.[^11] Due to his distinction and prominence, ‘Ubaydullah Ibn Ziyad appointed him as Governor of Kerman on behalf of Mu’awiyah[^12].

He used to be in contact with and in the company of Hani Ibn ‘Urwah. He fell very seriously ill, so Ibn Ziyad went to visit him. Before his arrival, Sharik said to Muslim (‘a), “Your objective and that of your Shi’as is his annihilation; so, you should stay inside the storage room.

Once he feels secure at my house, you should come out and kill him, and I shall spare you having to deal with him in Kufa while you yourself remain in good health”[^13] As they were thus engaged in their dialogue, the arrival of the Amir (provincial governor) at the door was announced, so Muslim entered the storage room.

When Sharik thought that Muslim had taken too long to come out, he kept taking his turban off and putting it on the ground then putting it back again, doing so several times as he recited the following verses of poetry in an audible voice which Muslim could hear: Why do you not Sulma greet? Greet her and those whom she does greet. A pure drink is what I desire when thirsty, Though drinking it brings sends me to eternity.